The Maharashtra government has established an eight-member committee to develop a comprehensive plan for a ‘smart tunnel network’ in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This initiative aims to enhance transportation and connectivity over the next three decades while also addressing flood management in emergency situations.
The committee’s responsibilities include identifying suitable locations for transportation tunnels, planning construction phases based on anticipated future traffic needs, integrating utility corridors within the tunnel network, assessing environmental impact, establishing a timeline for tunnel construction, and devising a budgetary roadmap for the project.
According to an official from the state’s Urban Development Department (UDD), the concept behind this “multi-model tunnel project” is to facilitate seamless transportation through an integrated smart double-deck system. This system will not only improve transport but also serve as a means to drain floodwaters during the monsoon.
The committee will be led by the municipal commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with the metropolitan commissioner from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) serving as the vice-president. The additional municipal commissioner (Project) of BMC will act as the member secretary.
Other committee members from BMC include the deputy municipal commissioner (infrastructure), chief engineer (bridges), and chief accounts officer (finance). Chief engineers from MMRDA and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will also be part of the team. BMC will finance the master plan’s preparation for the network system.
Currently, Mumbai is witnessing a range of infrastructure projects to improve transportation within the city and enhance connectivity with the MMR. These projects encompass the coastal road led by BMC and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Project led by MSRDC, which will connect Sewri in South Mumbai to Nhava Sheva near JNPT. Additionally, Mumbai Metro projects aimed at enhancing east-west and city-suburb connectivity are currently under construction.
“Mumbai, as the financial capital of the country, requires continuous infrastructure upgrades. The multi-model tunnel system, built to international standards, is essential, which is why the committee has been formed to develop an integrated master plan for Mumbai and MMR,” explained the official.
The committee will determine both immediate needs and future requirements to implement the master plan, expected to be finalized within six months. It may also consider engaging a specialized advisory firm for additional support, with the scope of the master plan encompassing technical options, traffic and flood studies, and tunnel size specifications, among other factors.